Piano World Home Page Forums Our Most Popular Forums Digital Pianos - Electronic Pianos - Synths & Keyboards Kawai ES520 vs ES920?

I’m looking to buy a portable Kawai digital piano. I generally liked the ES110, but was left wanting a bit richer of a piano sound and for speakers that were better/louder (I did like its action pretty well compared to the Rolands that I played...). Talking to local dealers (Canada), it might be a few months before either the ES520 or ES920 are in stock and the first batch of arrivals are already spoken for. To get a piano you pretty much just need to just take a leap of faith and order one, which I’m a little reluctant to do without having playing one first. My inclination is to go for the ES520 as the ES920 is a fair bit more expensive.

Any opinions on the ES520 vs the ES920? Is the sound engine *that* much better? Big difference in the actions? In general, is the ES920 worth the cost difference above the ES520?

Thanks

If the es110 was as much piano as you want to move around, then the es520 is not too bad, another 6 pounds. But the e920 goes yet another 6 pounds. For me that's enuf of a difference to help me decide. And that it's $400 more, when $1,200 is already a major stretch makes a big difference. And that they both have the same speaker system.

Personally, I would miss the few extra sounds and the eq sliders, but I doubt that the action would be a deal breaker. I already love the action of the es110, and if that es520 stabilizes (less bounce) that a wee bit, sign me up.

In other words I'm perfectly prepared to lust after the one that I at least have a chance at being able to afford. And to have BT audio in, line level audio in, and a more powerful speaker system where the speakers face up, that's a lot of motivation right there. As I've seen it demonstrated and talked about, it seems obvious that at $1200 the ES520 is one heck of a board- music technology has been extra sweet in the last 5 years or so!

I understand the amp+speakers are the same on both.
Try comparing online sound samples with good headphones, if you can tell the difference. Presumably the sample lengths should be longer (before loop), and there may be more velocity layers for each note. Compression for web streaming may have an influence.
The difference in the action between the ES110 and the ES8 did seem considerable to me.

Please say more. Did you enjoy the light swiftness of the es110 action? How is the ES8 in comparison? Do/did you have an es110?

I have the 110 and would like BT and audio line in, but NOT an extra 6 pounds. Lighter would be better. The BT and AI problems are solved with a mixer (for headphone use). Word has it that the 520 action is harder than the 110. I need light for both weight and action. I may also rig up an audio in. When I get back to NYC, the 25 pounds will be a lot easier to take on a subway than 30 (actually carrying other items as well, so many more pounds than just the piano). This is for gigging.

The ES110 seemed best in the entry slab range when testing in stores. But I wasn't happy with any of them. The ES8 key action seemed much better, but a bit too bouncy on key return. I'd be happy with CN39 action, RH3 but not as bouncy - but it isn't a slab. The FP90 key action better than both. Mind this is very subjective and I think beyond good description, you might reach a different conclusion.

Whereas I didn't care for the FP90 action at all - way too stiff. I dig the ES-110 - like a portable version of my MP11.

Old thread - new video:

Hi waldoh, not sure where you are in Canada (I am in Canada also). I just got to try the ES110 and ES520 this past weekend. I feel that the ES520 is definitely a step up and to me seems worth it just to get the newer technology, improved speaker system, and other extras. But it was a significant leap in price compared to the ES110, so you will have to decide if that is worth it for you.

For me, once I've gone so far in price of the ES520, then considering the ES920 becomes another one to really consider (my personal dilemma!). I was told that the price difference was $300 between the ES520 and ES920.Though I really liked the ES520 overall there was something that I didn't like about the action that was not my favorite. I couldn't really put my finger on what it was, maybe the bottoming out of the keys? I mean it was responsive and all but just something made me notice it. I imagine I would probably get used to it over time. I wish I'd taken more time to compare the action to the ES110 more but didn't think of it at the time because I was really focused on the ES520 and spent most of my time there. I really did love the sound though. And I felt the speaker system was quite powerful.

I am also under the impression if I want either of the ES520 or ES920 (which I really believe I do!) then I have to order it and wait as the expected delivery times are unknown/unclear.

I also got to try a CA49 and really loved the action on that one and I haven't had the chance to check specs to see how that compares to the action on the ES920. If the ES920 comes close to the CA49 then I would be very happy. I believe they will be different though given the prices between the two and one is portable and one is furniture style.

I don't like the Roland actions too much either.

Hi ZoeCalgary, my shopping process is not that long ago and in my nearby piano-shop I could try all the actions of the mentioned pianos side by side. And I did. And even if I am a beginner, a ton of youtube videos briefed me what to check out. About the actions I could figure out clearly that order:

1. GFIII on CA79 and CA99 (As reference for comparing)
2. GFC on CA49 (was actually a real candidate for shopping as the space in my room is limited to less than 140 cm)
3. Roland PHA50 (really close to GFC in my opinion - but I did not realize those cabinets are also less than 140 cm)
4. RHIII on CN29 (ES920 action as you know)
5. RHCII on CN17 (EU version of KDP110, same action as ES520)

I know after reading through all forums, everyone tells to get the CA49 over the CN29 because of the wooden keys and the longer keystick. And if I lived in the states I would have decided for CA49, because it is just about 15% more expensive than CN29. But in here in Europe the picture is quite different: CA49 is about 50% more expensive than CN29, so I took the cheaper one (no regret). The CN17(KDP110) was a no-go, the action felt way to light. I didn't like it in comparison.

I think there is no general answer which one is better for everyone. Especially if people ignore the prices of other regions. And I love how you think: Only $300 difference between 920 and 520. If Stu Harrison is right in his estimation that the RHIII action has a longer life-span I would choose ES920. In another video Stu estimated the RHCII action to last 1500h without issues. Let's assume a more robust RHIII action is maybe good for 2000h. Divide the price by the estimated hours and suddenly ES920 is cheaper (per hour). +better action +better soundengine +more features.

Maybe this is another view helping you to make a decision.

edit/btw: which Roland actions did you try?

well which one did you get did you get to try them

i got the es120 last month and it felt perfect and i loved it and i was 9/10 satisfied with the sound

was trying to finish learning raindrop prelude on it and you know the low part the chanting monks part it sounded really good but i imagine with bigger speakers, bigger cabinet, stronger amp it must sound that much better ? so i returned it and now have the option to pay 100$ to get a refurbished 520 or 1000$ more for the 920

after hearing the 520 and 920 back to back on that merriam video idk 1000 is alot but im getting the 920

i hope i like the action as much or more than the 120

I briefly owned the ES520 but it had issues with the keys making "clicking" sounds in the lower octave of the board. Kawai confirmed there was something wrong and suggested I send it in for repair but I opted to return it go with another brand. I might check out the successor to the MP7SE if they ever update it but that put me off the ES line.

I was about to comment than realized this is a necro thread. To whomever reads this to get advice, GET THE ES920.

I owned the 520 for more than half a year and even gigged with it. I currently own the 920 have owned this model since 2020.
The sole reason to get the 920 over the 520 is the keyboard action. Kawai doesn't really have a "mid tier" action like most companies actually. The difference between the ES120 and 520 in terms of keybed is neglegible to me. The 920 adds counterweights which contributes to the substantial feeling and control ability of the keybed.

Since buying such a keyboard is a long term investment you might as well buy the ES920 it will not only last longer but you'll enjoy a better action for a longer time thus will be inspired to play more.

Since I'm well versed w/ both boards I'd provide a comparison for whoever's debating:

Sound Engine:

ES920 has a couple more sounds 1 more main piano sound, the mellow SK5 Grand which is gorgeous, an EP with chorus (also sounds amazing) and maybe another 1-2 misc. sound in the "synth/pad" or "Plucked" category which I currently don't remember.
The sound quality compared to stage pianos is lackluster however. The acoustic pianos sound good though, and you won't have any issues gigging using the stock EPs , string pads and vibraphone. The Organs are absolutely horrendeous, both Church and "Hammond" types.

*The acoustic pianos should a bit improved (Harmonic imaging XL) according to Kawai from the 920>520 in terms of sample length but nothing worth mentioning.

Keybed:
Discussed before. ES920 good, ES520 nope

ES920 advantages: Can record mp3/wave audio over USB!! the only one. It's a huge help recording audio and video without needing to take out my audio interface, laptop etc.

Speakers:
Same. early units were less robust and were prone to buzzing. I tested 2 different ES520 for a couple of months at a time and they were horrible in that regard. My first 920 was of the first batches (late 2020) and had a bit of buzz but not as bad. My newer 920 is much better and rarely do I hear any buzz whatsoever. It takes a specific frequency using a specific sound in a specific weather for the plastic to buzz but on 95% of presets there is 0 buzz ever. Speakers are the best I've heard on a digital slab, but do not provide a full, round bass response (that's obvious and true to all other slabs)

Rhythms are great, but only with drums. Turn off the rest of the stuff.
Screen is the same. Interface is limited and convoluted when trying to create splits and still activate the rhythm section (it turns off the split and you have to reassign it always), but if you don't use the drums then no issues.

TL DR:

Just get the ES920 100% because of the action. If they had the same action, there would be no reason for the 920 over 520.
I reviewed the 920 on my YouTube channel might be useful for ppl who wanna hear my thoughts on it. (In my signature)

Didn't you have issues with your 920 and were looking to replace it until you ended up getting a second one?

Yes but that's a non-sequitur.

Btw before that one I had a Yamaha P-515 with a speaker issue which was known to have plauged a couple of shipments (I had a thread about that and listed other YouTube videos as evidence ) does that mean the the P-515 is unrealiable? nope, just that a certain batch or speicific unit/s were not QA'd correctly. I happened to have the bad luck to recieve such unit (twice in a row with two different makers, but yeah it's a probability). My sencond ES920 which is the current one has been great without hiccups so far. No speaker buzz or faulty keybed behaviour whatsoever.